The iconic Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton welcomed a crowd of approximately 100 Queensland art patrons, artists and esteemed guests on Saturday 27th of July for the official regional launch of Wanderlust, the touring exhibition of the 2018 Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAA).
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As the first launch event held in a remote location for the annual art prize hosted by Flying Arts Alliance, the successful opening of Wanderlust marked a significant event for Winton and the art prize's history alike.
Mr Tim Fairfax AC and Mrs Gina Fairfax, the Cultural Patrons of Flying Arts Alliance, travelled to Winton to attend the notable event alongside touring artists, award sponsors and judges including Bianca Acimovic, Curator of Wanderlust and Director of Rockhampton Art Gallery and Bruce Heiser, Director of Heiser Projects.
Exhibitions Coordinator at the Waltzing Matilda Centre Karen Stephens said that displaying Wanderlust until September is part of the Waltzing Matilda Centre's goal to bring contemporary programmes to the Winton community.
"Visitors to our gallery will be surprised by the innovative and dynamic exhibition program that cultivates arts and culture and highlights the uniqueness of outback Australia," Ms Stephens said.
"Exhibitions such as Wanderlust are a platform for sharing contemporary stories and events that enrich the educational and cultural experiences of our visitors."
Ms Stephen is a former and current prize winner of the QRAA, with her artwork 'Mitchell, Feathertop and Flinders' is on display the Wanderlust exhibition as winner of the Remote Artist Award.
CEO of Flying Arts Alliance Kerryanne Farrer said that the overwhelming success of the first official opening in a regional Queensland location demonstrates the necessity for culture and arts programs outside of metropolitan centres.
"The Queensland Regional Art Awards aims to provide a platform for professional development and publicity for the amazing artists living in regional Queensland. The strong sense of community and celebration that we saw in Winton speaks clearly to the value of programs such as this in regional locations," Ms Farrer said.
Flying Art's exhibition Wanderlust examines regional and rural Queensland as locations which encourage exploration and a spirit of adventure.
Wanderlust will be on display at the Outback Gallery in the Waltzing Matilda Centre until 8 September, 2019. For more information: https://flyingarts.org.au/events/wanderlust-winton/
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